Julia's Suffolk Story
When I began my academic career at Suffolk, I felt unsure about introducing myself as an English major. I was surrounded by Law School students and business majors, and I didn't necessarily understand the value of my area of study. Four years of English classes and one honors thesis later, I could not be more certain that English was the best path for me and that pursuing this degree at Suffolk University was the most perfect decision for me. As an English major, I've spent my time at Suffolk studying the art of discussion in almost all of my classes. My professors asked us students to challenge them with evidence from the text as well as with our own opinions and thoughts. I learned how to become a better writer and how to best articulate my thoughts and ideas. I spent my time reading novels and other works of fiction and nonfiction that expanded my understanding of the world around me.
Within these texts, I analyzed the language and pondered the meaning and power of words. I engaged in discussions with people with whom I did not necessarily agree but who taught me to listen patiently and respond respectfully. The valuable skills that I acquired as an English major–reading, writing, analyzing, and thinking–are the foundation of anything and everything that I will do with my time after Suffolk.
Working on my honors thesis during my entire senior year was by far the greatest experience of my time here. I challenged myself as a student; I grew as a writer; I improved as a researcher; and most importantly, I experienced the world of a critical thinker and scholar. It was a challenging and deeply fulfilling experience from which I emerged feeling more confident in my major, my degree, and myself.